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In the aftermath of the devastating Kurukshetra war, Duryodhana reflects on his mistakes and seeks solace in his final moments, while Lord Krishna imparts profound wisdom.
Characters in the story:
Duryodhana: Duryodhana is a key character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, known as the eldest of the Kaurava brothers and the main antagonist of the Pandavas.
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Nakul: Nakul was one of the five Pandava brothers in the Indian epic, Mahabharata, known for his exceptional archery skills and unwavering loyalty to his family.
Karna: Karna is a prominent character in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. He is known for his valor, generosity, and tragic fate, as he was the son of the sun god Surya, but was abandoned at birth and raised by a low-caste charioteer.
Vidhur: Vidhur, an astute and righteous counselor, played a pivotal role in the epic Mahabharata as the wise advisor to the Kuru dynasty, known for his sagacity and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Ashwathama: Ashwathama was a powerful warrior and a central character in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Cursed with immortality, he played a significant role in the Kurukshetra war and was known for his destructive prowess and unwavering loyalty to his friend, Duryodhana.
On the last day of the war, there was a strong feeling that things were coming to an end. Duryodhana, lying on his deathbed, had been defeated by Bhima’s relentless attacks on his thighs. As he grew weaker, memories of his life flashed before his eyes. He felt the weight of his actions, sins, and numerous mistakes bearing down on him. It was the end of the road.
Duryodhana had brought about his own downfall, little by little. Though he couldn’t speak, he managed to raise three fingers, which confused his loyal troops and servants. They wanted to fulfill any last wishes he had, whether it was food or other tasks. But they couldn’t understand the deep thoughts troubling Duryodhana. With each passing moment, his life force slipped away, marking the end of his time on Earth.
In those final moments, Lord Krishna observed Duryodhana’s plight and understood the meaning behind the raised fingers. With a solemn demeanor, he spoke:
“Oh, Duryodhana, I see the thoughts that consume you. You’re pondering the three mistakes that, if you had avoided them, might have turned the tide of this war in your favor. I know each one. Let me enlighten you.
Your first mistake was not fortifying the city of Hastinapur, leaving it vulnerable to attack. I understand your desire to protect the palace, but if you had built a strong fortress, I would have sent Nakul to dismantle it with a clever strategy. As your fort crumbled under the attack, your forces would have weakened, creating the perfect opportunity for battle.
The second mistake was waiting until after Karna’s death to appoint Ashwathama as commander-in-chief. Ashwathama’s anger is uncontrollable, capable of wreaking havoc on the battlefield. But if you had chosen him earlier, I would have personally used my weapons to maintain fairness and uphold righteousness. Ashwathama’s rage is as strong as Lord Shiva’s, and I would have countered it with all my might.
Lastly, your third mistake was neglecting to seek Vidura’s support on your side in the war. If you had, I would have countered his every strategy, just as I did with Shakuni. Moreover, this tragic outcome could have been avoided entirely if you hadn’t insulted Draupadi in the court. Peaceful resolution was always possible, sparing countless lives in this massive conflict.
Now that I have revealed these truths to you, find solace. You remained dedicated to your duties and didn’t give up on the battle, even when everything seemed lost. Rest in peace, brave warrior.”
With these revelations, Duryodhana’s dying thoughts were validated. He was reassured that he had fulfilled his responsibilities and had done everything in his power to ensure a fair fight. It’s no wonder that after his passing, he ascended to the heavens.
